CAPABLE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

capable

adjective

ˈkā-pə-bəl

Definition of capable

as in suitable

having the required skills for an acceptable level of performance a capable and efficient editor

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of capable Grab this capable full-size laptop with a solid 22% discount. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026 No one is questioning that Davion Mitchell has earned and is capable of holding a spot in the Heat’s rotation. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 Their deepest fear is that humans could eventually lose control of increasingly capable AI systems altogether. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2026 The value of Nico Dominguez’s versatility is easy to underestimate, with the Argentinian capable of slotting into numerous midfield roles with craft and reliability. — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for capable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for capable

Adjective

My friend Paul Davis, the great artist and illustrator, even did an impressive painting of a rat, yet neither of us could convince our editors that this urban reality was a suitable topic for an upscale city magazine.

— Gloria Steinem, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026
City had intended to replace every outgoing, but in the end felt that Nico O’Reilly would be a suitable option in midfield in place of Gonzalez, as they are well stocked at left-back with Josko Gvardiol and Rayan Ait-Nouri.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of suitable

Adjective

The answer to our nation’s physician shortage crisis is to fully open the doors to residency for all qualified candidates, not to close the door on those who choose the osteopathic pathway.

— Torie Bosch, STAT, 5 Sep. 2026
Condoleezza Rice Former Secretary of State Rice is simultaneously too qualified for this role and also a little out of left field.

— Chantel Jennings, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of qualified

Adjective

The world will become tragically, unbearably competent, a surface without a seam.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Schedule outlook The path to another major leap in 2026 is there for FIU, but the Panthers will have to navigate a schedule that features several competent Conference USA opponents.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of competent

Adjective

Sanctioning that deal was always dependent on Liverpool being able to recruit a suitable replacement for the Netherlands international at an acceptable price.

— James Pearce, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Though bleeding from the gunshot wounds, Piper was able to run inside.

— Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of able

Browse Nearby Words

capability

capable

capableness

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“Capable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capable. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of capable

adjective

Example Sentences

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